Phone recommendations?

I think that moving to a Samsung would be a mistake if you already own a MacBook and an iPad, coming from someone who has also considered moving to Samsung and has been an Apple user since I was 8 with my first iPad. My recommendation for an iPhone would be one from the 16 line, as it is the newest. Having the 12 mini, you’d probably be more than happy with a 16/16plus, or even a 14/15 if you still wanted a new phone from Apple but didn’t have the budget for a 16, but, if you wanted to splurge for a pro model and can’t pay for the 16 pro/pro max (I would not suggest going for the massive pro max coming from a mini), there are a few refurbished options as well directly from Apple that are, in my opinion, the most trustworthy. Personally, I own a 13 pro max and I love it to death

Stick with the iPhone. Depending on your carrier you can still maybe get some money from the 12 mini for a trade-in. Just consider perhaps the iPhone 16 regular size or the plus if you need a large screen. Easy decision considering the other items you have.

you seems to already be in the Apple ecosystem and comfortable about it.

So may be stickto Iphone.

I dont even like Iphone but if you're already in it, you can stick to it. Its not like they're bad phones.

You'll probably be happiest with another iPhone but I can't help but to recommend a google pixel phone because they are awesome. I just switched from Samsung to the pixel 9 and I'm so happy I made the switch. Don't switch to Samsung. They're overrated and their cameras suck. Especially not a flip- it will break in no time.